Passports

Lord Roberts of Llandudno
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the present timetable for introducing the 69 new passport interview offices. [HL757]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)
The first interview offices will open early in the next financial year with the remainder opening in phases throughout 2007. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State will be making a Written Ministerial Statement in another place in the new year to provide more information on the timetable.

Lord Roberts of Llandudno
asked Her Majesty's Government:

How iris scans and fingerprints for the new passport interview regime will be obtained by the video links for remote areas. [HL758]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal
The new passport interviews being introduced in 2007 will not require any iris scans or fingerprints to be recorded from passport applicants. The identity interview, for first-time applicants over the age of 16 only, can therefore be accomplished by video link for those in remote areas.